Performing an upgrade to your electrical switchboard may be more important than you realise. In 2019 New Zealand reported a 22 percent increase in electrical fires, a high number of which were caused by faulty or old electrical wiring. Electrical switchboards are often the first line of defense against electrical fires, but in many homes, switchboards are instead the culprit.

What causes electrical fires.

Roughly 1000 homes burn down in New Zealand every year due to electrical faults. Many factors may contribute to an electrical fire, however most professionals agree a lack of RCDs (residual current devices) are usually to blame.

Many Auckland homes were built long before electrical switchboards were common practice. These older New Zealand homes use porcelain or wire fuses instead of more advanced RCD circuit breakers. Having to replace a blown fuse allows room for human error. If a fuse with the wrong current rating is installed it may fail to trip when needed. Resulting in overheating, damage to appliances or even fire.

Older switchboards are not capable of powering the more demanding and numerous appliances we use in our modern homes. An electrical switchboard upgrade can protect your home from becoming overloaded, avoiding a fire.

Hall Electrical is here to help.

Hall electrical can help you upgrade your electrical switchboard. Old homes with fuse boxes may need to be completely rewiring to replace the old compound wiring, which is more susceptible to fire.

If your home already has a full electrical switchboard but you are notice any of the following, your switchboard may need an upgrade.

Signs of a faulty electrical switchboard:

• Circuit breakers tripping
• Visible scorch/burn marks on wall sockets or switchboard components
• Burning/fishy smell

Don’t wait until its too late. Protect your home and your family from a domestic house fire through an electrical switchboard upgrade. Call Hall electrical at 0800 422 973 or contact us online for a quote.

Guide to House Wiring Repair and Upgrades 

When was the last time you had your homes wiring checked? If you can’t remember or if you never had them inspected, it’s high time for you to talk to an electrician in NZ. After all, you will never know when the cables or other components of your electrical system will wear out. And, when your wiring turns faulty or outdated, it could mean bad news, regardless of the size, type or age of your home. If you’re not sure what to do with your electrical house wiring our short discussion below may help. 

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When To Do a Wiring Repair or Upgrade

The first thing that would likely come to mind about house wiring repair and upgrades is when you should schedule the job. Are there signs you need to look out for? Here are some examples of situations that call for a professional wiring repair or upgrade:

• You often need to reset the circuit breakers.
• Your household uses plenty of extension cords to power devices.
• When you check the outlet you hear a buzzing sound.
• There’s a weird burnt smell inside the house that doesn’t go away.
• You live in a house that’s been around for more than 30 years.
• The outlets you have in the house aren’t grounded.
• You recently bought an appliance but no longer have free sockets.
• You never had anyone take a look at the wires for more than 5 years.
• There’s a tingling sensation when you touch your electrical appliances.
• Your lighting fixtures constantly dim or flicker even after replacing them with new ones.
• You plan to add an extension to the main structure of your home.
• You need to revamp a space and realize that you need to add in more sockets.
• The electric bills keep on eating up your budget even if you already practice energy saving techniques. 

Most of the time, it’s difficult to spot obvious signs of electrical wiring trouble. That’s why it pays to be extra cautious and vigilant when it comes to doing your regular check ups and observations.

Average Cost of Electrical Wiring Update or Repair in NZ

One of the first things that home homeowners look into before booking in a rewiring or upgrade service is the cost. Many fear they will have to shell out a lot of money to get things done. So will it really cost you an arm and a leg? 

The latest stats on electrical services and repairs shed a light on the approximate costs that you need to include in your planning:

• • Electrical inspections – This can run from anywhere between $250 to $400 depending on the size of your property.

• Replacement or installation of power socket – The average cost is around $150 to $250 but the costs could certainly vary depending on the fees of your chosen electrical services provider.
• Wiring upgrades or repairs – The cost varies from one case to another because no two houses are the same. Also, each household has a different energy requirement and electrical wiring problems. To get the best quote, you may contact us at Hall Electrical Services. We can provide you with a FREE and ACCURATE cost estimate for your project.  

If you want to find the best offers in the market, you will need to shop around. Try comparing the fees and more importantly the reputation of the company. It’s also a good practice to hire a local electrician to eliminate additional costs that might end up blowing your budget. Lastly, go for a company that has top-notch customer service. This way, you’re sure to get the best value from your estimated spending. 

Do NOT Ignore the Warning Signs!  

Often people think that their homes wiring issues don’t seem like a cause for major concern.  However, in truth , the more you delay getting them repaired or replaced and upgraded, the bigger and more pressing problems you might need to face.

Essentially if you have faulty wiring, your entire electrical system also gets messed up. Depending on the damage, it could overload the circuits, which in effect trips the breaker. Your unreliable wiring can also cause your appliances to wear out faster and your monthly electric bills to surge. Unfortunately, the problem goes on unresolved, it could eventually lead to accidents such as fires and even electrocution.

Call a Reliable Electrician in NZ!

The key to avoiding all this of course simply lies in quick detection of the problems and timely repair or upgrades of your home wiring. Again, if you think something’s off with your electrical system, you should have an electrician check things out. 

Whether it stems from obvious wiring defects, a dated wiring system, or a need for additional wiring, you should definitely call in a professional. You should also call in for help in case you need wirings for an additional room in the house, a kitchen revamp, or even installation of new lighting fixtures in your back or front yard. 

Hall Electrical Services is here to lend you a hand with any wiring problem or need. Big or small projects, you can rely on us to provide you with practical and cost-efficient wiring repair or upgrades. Get in touch with us today at 0800 422 973 for more information!

Outdoor motion sensor lights serve a crucial role in deterring criminally-inclined folks from pushing through with their schemes. When activated, the lights can startle burglars and intruders and warn unknowing occupants. Motion sensor lights also come in handy for illuminating outdoor spaces to improve accessibility during the night. Also, they only switch on when needed, so you can minimise your energy consumption, especially if you have a spacious outdoor area. 

However, while motion detector lights are designed to work smoothly, they can fail sometimes.  They also have a limited lifespan. Some models can last up to 100,000 hours, while others may have a shorter lifespan. If you notice anything wrong with your sensor lights, it’s best to call in an expert to lend you a hand.

Common Motion Detector Light Problems

A motion detecting outdoor light is specifically designed to turn on and off when it detects changes in the immediate surroundings. However, if the sensors get dirty or if one or more of its components break, the device will malfunction. A lot of things can go wrong with a motion detector light. Some of the common issues include: 

• Lights that won’t turn on
• Lights that stay on even without motion detected
• Too short or too long light duration
• Sensors that can’t detect movement at all

To fix motion sensor light problems, you must identify what type you use. This will help you test for issues and discuss them with the specialist you will hire. 

Generally, you can find three types of sensor lights in the market. The first type is referred to as active sensors, which actively scan the room to detect changes. It is equipped with sensors designed to detect fluctuations in radio waves, sound waves, and microwave pulses. There are also passive infrared sensors that scan heat, radiation, and infrared changes in a room. You can also shop for dual tech sensors that combine the technologies used in PIR and active sensors.

Troubleshooting a Faulty Light Sensor

Oftentimes, the root cause of a faulty motion detector light is a dirty sensor. Quickly check the sensor and see if they’re grimy or filled with debris. Use a soft and clean rug to tidy up the sensor. If that doesn’t solve the problem, then you will need to manually turn it off and on. By doing so, you can recalibrate the settings and hopefully get it running normally again.  

If the problem persists, try changing the batteries or the bulb. Alternatively, you can contact a technician. This will help you avoid guessing what went wrong and ensure that your light sensor gets fixed or replaced, depending on the situation. 

Choose from a Variety of Outdoor Light Sensors

For lighting fixtures beyond repair, it may be better to have them replaced with a newer and more up-to-date model. It’s the practical option, especially for extremely worn out They come in various shapes, sizes, and styles, perfect if you’re keen on the exterior design of your home. Here are some of the most common brands of light sensors you can find in New Zealand:

• Mercator Lighting
• Telbix
• Martec Lighting
• Domus Lighting
• Eglo Lighting
• Superlux
• Sunny Lighting
• CLA Lighting

Trust a Local Expert to Help you!

Motion sensor lights definitely make a great addition to your home, and they don’t cost that much to install. They’re also quite inexpensive to repair or replace. If you notice issues with your motion sensor lights, feel free to approach a local expert near you. This way, you can get them repaired in no time. In case the fixture is beyond repair, you can consult with a local expert to know which brand and model would best suit as a replacement.

Kiwis often consider do-it-yourself home improvement as the best way to do things. Some may even argue that DIY work is embedded in the Kiwis’ DNA. The whole country’s interest and preference over DIY back in the 1950s have paved the way for the popularity of magazines, websites, retail stores, and hardware shops geared towards boosting the DIY home repair and improvement industry. 

However, DIY projects can only go so far in addressing aesthetic and some minor structural issues. At the end of the day, critical concerns such as electrical faults are best left to professionals. Otherwise, it could result in bigger and more pressing problems. 

Different Types of Electrical Problems

Homeowners may encounter a wide range of electrical problems. Unfortunately, unlike a leaky tap or a rusty doorknob and hinge, faulty wiring and other electrical products can pose serious life-threatening risks. Knowing what sort of issue you’re dealing with can help you decide whether to resolve the problem yourself or call in an experienced tradie. Below are the most common examples of electrical mishaps and what you can do to address them.

Faulty Light Fixtures 

It can be quite frustrating when the lights flicker or when the switches don’t work as they should. Most of the time, this issue is caused by poor-quality installation . It’s a simple issue you can try to fix your own, but you can surely benefit from a pro’s service. 

Frequently Tripping Circuit Breakers 

Circuit breakers are designed to protect electrical appliances and wiring from power fluctuations. If your circuit breaker trips, then you know that it’s serving its purpose. However, if you notice constant tripping, it may be a sign that the power board is overloaded. You can solve this issue by distributing power use in your household. 

If the problem comes from a short circuit, you need to do some sleuthing. Better yet, you should contact an electrician  so you can trace the origin of the short circuit and have the faulty wiring fixed or replaced.   

Light Bulbs Often Burn Out 

Does your light bulbs burn out often? It can be caused by various reasons, including high wattage, lousy wiring, excess wattage on a switch, and low-quality wirings and bulbs. To address the issue effectively, you need to determine its root cause. To do that, you must have enough experience and skills. Alternatively, you can ask for help from a local electrical specialist.   

Power Fluctuations 

A wide range of things can cause power surges and dips. And in most cases, they’re not easy to uncover if you don’t have enough knowledge of electrical wirings and systems. It’s essential to consult with an expert if you notice any of the two issues so you can prevent severe appliance damage or even accidents like fire and electrocution.

An Unexplainable Surge in Electric Consumption

High energy consumption means expensive electric bills. Paying costly fees is definitely not something you want to look forward to at the end of the month. While some households are guilty of consuming more energy than needed, others unknowingly use up a lot of power because of a poorly installed electrical system. If you think that your power usage doesn’t add up with the fees you need to pay, you can have your system assessed by an electrician.   

Letting the Pros Do the Electrical Work 

Working on electrical faults can be extremely dangerous. There have been records of fatal accidents that resulted from DIY electrical> work in New Zealand. Many things can go wrong if you choose to handle electrical problems yourself. Here are some examples:

• • Electrocution – Electrocution can be deadly, especially at high voltage levels. It could result in respiratory arrest, seizure, muscle tingling, and skin burns.
  • Fire – Mishandled wires and electrical systems often causes fires. Inexperienced handymen might end up placing wirings in the wrong place. Unfortunately, unlike in electric shocks, fire hazards remain unknown until the accident happens.  

• Accidents resulting from faulty outdoor outlets — Failure to work out problems such as damaged outdoor outlets can result in accidents. Unless you have what it takes to do the job, don’t attempt to do it.  

• Expensive repair and follow up services – Besides accident risks, DIY electrical is considered highly impractical because it could require costly follow-up repairs and other services. You may need to completely rewire a place or replace installed fittings if you don’t get it right the first time. 
• Improper use of tools or electrical products – Doing electrical work requires a high level of expertise and a lot of finesse. If you opt for DIY, you may risk using low-quality products that would eventually wear out and trigger all kinds of mishaps.  

While DIY work seems to be the ideal option for folks who’d like to save money or those who prefer doing things themselves, it’s still safer and more practical to work with a pro. With it, you get to eliminates the guesswork and ensure the safety of your household. Hiring an experienced residential electrician also assures you that you can address the issue fast. 

Choosing to live in an old house comes with plenty of benefits. For starters, most old properties are known for their durable built, quaint charm, rich history, and intricate design. They also give you plenty of room for renovation projects because they’re more affordable than move-in ready homes. Then, there’s also the matter of their location. Most of the time, these properties are situated in pleasant and quiet neighborhoods, making them ideal for growing families. 

But of course, it’s no secret that old homes do need a little bit of work before they become suited for living. One of the most crucial things you must check is the condition of the wires. Find out if you need to call in a professional to rewire your home.   

What are the signs you should rewire an old house?

Outdated and deteriorating wiring can cause all kinds of mishaps, including electrocution and fire. Fortunately, there are a few tell-tale signs that you can look out for to prevent potential risks. Some examples include:

• Tripping of the circuit breakers or fuses
• Intermittent or regular flickering of appliances and lights
• Odd buzzing or humming sounds coming from the power outlets
• Burning or acrid smell near the outlets

The signs above usually apply for any type of house. Sometimes, such issues arise after 5 to 10 years without rewiring done. For much older houses, such as as those more than 20 years old and has never been rewired before, it’s highly recommended to book an appointment with a residential electrician. 

Even if you don’t notice any of the signs enumerated above, it’s best to have your property checked as soon as possible. This way, you can figure out what you need to update and how much work you need to do. It will also allow you to bring your home electrical system to the latest industry standards. 

Besides addressing possible causes of accidents, rewiring your old home can also improve the structure’s functionality. For example, it will allow you to add new power outlets to give way for more appliances. With enough power outlets in a room, you can do away with extension wires. It will also allow you to install power outlets equipped with an on and off switch to help you protect your appliances from power surges.  

Rewiring your property also increases power capacity, so it meets the current demands of your household. Additionally, replacing or upgrading residential electrical wiring helps with the following:    

• Rewiring allows you to add dedicated circuits that can stabilise the system.
• New wiring systems usually include ground fault circuit interrupters. These are essential in preventing electrocution and other damages in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas around the house.

I think I need a home rewiring; what’s next?

Before starting your house rewiring project, it’s helpful to know a few things like your household’s average electric consumption. Check every room and take note of the number of lights and power outlets present. You must also list the appliances in each room and determine how often you use them. See that you include every part of your home, including your basement and attic. Also, don’t forget to list the HVAC system plus water heating equipment. 

It’s also a must to familiarise yourself with local building and electric codes. Before you can have any electrical project started, you must ensure that it meets the local regulations. Find out what type of wires you need to use, the required number of outlets, and other essential details. Typically, an experienced local electrician can help you with the technicalities of the project.

You should also have a comprehensive electrical inspection to know more about your home’s internal structure. This way, the electricians can identify which parts contain load-bearing and plumbing work before they grill holes.

How much does rewiring an old house cost?

The cost of a residential rewiring project varies. Most of the time, it depends on the amount of work to do, the items that need replacement, the size of the property, and the scope of the electrical inspection service. 

The final costs can also be affected by the types of materials you want to use, the electrician’s travel cost, GST, and installation cost for a washing machine or heater power point. Your expenses could also significantly increase if you need to book additional services such as: 

• Downlight installation/replacement
• Spa outlet installation
• Hot water equipment power point installation
• Switchboard upgrade
• Full house extension/renovation
• Garage wiring installation
• Single light switch installation/replacement

If you would like to get a more accurate quotation, you need to consult with your local electrician. This way, they can inspect the property and provide you with a more detailed plan.

Book a rewiring job today!

The last thing you want is to deal with expensive or dangerous mishaps caused by faulty or damaged wires. If you currently live in or plan on refurbishing an old house, it would be wise to have your wires checked and replaced. The sooner you get to it, the better! 

And don’t attempt to handle the job on your own. It’s dangerous and not to mention impractical. Many trained electricians in New Zealand can lend you a hand with your project. With a professional service, you don’t need to worry about checking the local building and electrical codes or finding the right tools, equipment, and materials to use. On top of that, you can expect to see results and ensure your home’s safety for many years.          

Get your house rewired as soon as possible. COMPANY NAME is here to assist you with your needed electrical service. We have friendly and experienced technicians who can handle any scale of home rewiring job. Call today to book an appointment.